Boston Micro Fabrication (BMF), a leader in advanced manufacturing solutions for ultra-high precision applications, has entered the dental market with the launch of UltraThineer, the world’s thinnest cosmetic dental veneer. The new 3D printed veneers use projection micro stereolithography (PµSL), a technology that custom-manufactures veneers that are 3x thinner than traditional veneers and require significantly less preparation for dental professionals – allowing preservation of the patient’s enamel with less reduction. UltraThineer veneers are expected to be available in the US in the spring of 2024, following review by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
BMF is committed to developing applications where its unique, micro-scale, highly precise printing technology can significantly reduce production time and cost as well as enable innovation. UltraThineer veneers, developed in collaboration with Peking University, feature advanced material, a production workflow, and a finishing process to deliver thinner, more comfortable, and less invasive veneers. 3D printing is already proven across multiple dental applications including orthodontic aligners, mouthguards, drill guides, and dentures – due to the need for on-demand, personalized, custom solutions.
“The ability to print ceramics at minimal thickness will be revolutionary. Our current processes for producing minimal prep veneers can be labor-intensive when compared to milled, full-coverage crowns in zirconia. Conservative reduction of the patient’s enamel should be practiced whenever possible. I’m looking forward to the start of this new technology, allowing intricate, ultra-thin veneers to be printed. BMF’s advancements and innovation will continue to push the boundaries of dentistry and inspire innovation worldwide,” said Jessica Love from Capture Dental Arts, a leading US provider of cosmetic dental services.
Currently, veneers are manufactured to a thickness of approximately 0.5mm or more and require extreme prep work of existing teeth. This is a highly invasive, non-reversible, and uncomfortable procedure for the patient. For aesthetic restoration, ultra-thin veneers allow little to no tooth preparation – preserving as much enamel as possible and are just 100µm thick. With a choice of ultra-thin zirconia veneers, dentists can align, reshape, or brighten teeth with a simple, painless, and minimally invasive procedure.
“The ultra-thin and strong 3D printed zirconia veneer technology can quickly and painlessly strengthen and protect the surface of teeth, prevent cold acid stimulation and wear, and significantly improve appearance. More importantly, compared to conventional ceramic veneer technology, the entire process of tooth reduction is eliminated,” said Professor Sun Yuchun from Peking University School of Stomatology.
In addition to providing machines, materials, and software to industries looking to prototype and produce high-precision parts, BMF has been developing and incubating end-use applications that can be uniquely enabled by the PµSL process.
“Using our unique technology, companies across industries, from electronics to medical devices, are keeping pace with the increasing miniaturization of technology. In addition to continuing to partner with our customers on their own innovations, we’re excited to unveil one of the first self-developed applications of our technology,” said John Kawola, CEO of BMF. “We know that patients and dentists alike can benefit from thinner veneers and are looking forward to bringing higher levels of precision to the cosmetic dental industry.”
